Connectivity : an urban laundry in the Pretoria CBD

Abstract:

Overall goal: “The overarching aim of the Programme is to promote a sense of dignity in the public real, targeting the poorest and most disadvantaged parts of the city, by providing each local area with a place where individual circumstances of poverty are not starkly visible, where people can meet and gather or just sit in a place that is as attractive and comfortable as any other well-made, positive place in the city.” [Southworth, 2003:125] Problem identification: The form and structure of the city is driven by the urban legend that almost all users will move through the city by car, bus or taxi. This produced a low-density, disorganized expansion which forces users to commute between spread out facilities. Public space in the city has largely been neglected, with green areas fenced of [e.g. the Union buildings green space] and existing squares and arcades taken over by commercial interests. The perception is created that these vital areas are extravagant squander of money both to create and maintain. This resulted in neglected and derelict spaces scattered around the city, often only used as parking. The focus of designers has largely been on individual buildings only, neglecting their impact on their neighbours, the street and their interaction on public space. Project aims and objectives: Explore and analyse the interconnected systems inherent in the city. In order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of some of the systems and processes that are active in the city, analysis needs to be done on several levels.Regional scale: The city systems as part of the larger Tswane Megacity. City scale: Explore the interaction of these processes within the CBD. Local scale: Placing the study area within the north-eastern quarter of the CBD to create a master program for the area. Create a master program for the north-eastern quarter of the city incorporating these systems and processes. Study the workings of the north-eastern quarter to develop guidelines for its improvement. Place an urban catalyst within the study area to promote regeneration on social, economic and urban levels. Design an architectural response to the new urban catalyst. Approach: The creation of a public space, linking isolated city blocks. To use buildings to fill gaps in the existing street edges, as well as defining the new public space. This will lead to economic and social regeneration of the area. Develop guidelines for function selection of building linked to the street and public space. Design an architectural response to the new public space.